Idaho water users
Paul Arrington, executive director and general counsel, Idaho Water Users Association
All signs indicate that the 2026 legislative session will largely be about one thing: money. In recent weeks, much has been said and written about Idaho's current budgeting situation – with estimates that the state will come in below forecasts. The challenge for our legislature will be to develop budgets that match anticipated income, while still allowing Idaho to address needs and challenges it faces. These needs do not go away simply because income has missed targets.
In recent years, the legislature has recognized the need to address water supply and infrastructure challenges by appropriating funds to address these needs. In 2025, the legislature appropriated $30 million of ongoing funds for water-related projects. For the first year, all $30 million was used to address the challenges in the Upper Snake River (Magic Valley and eastern Idaho).
While IWUA will have several legislative priorities, we anticipate that much of our time will be spent working with the Legislature to ensure that Idaho can continue addressing water supply and infrastructure needs. This means continuing the state's investment in water into the future.
Dairy
Rick Naerebout, CEO, Idaho Dairymen’s Association
IDA’s number one issue during the 2026 legislative session will be protecting our workforce. The federal government has compounded the problem for four decades, and our broken immigration system creates uncertainty for employers, employees and families.
However, there are signals from the administration that help could be on the way. On June 12, the president posted that, “We must protect our farmers,” as he acknowledged farmers are losing longtime employees which are impossible to replace. The president made similar comments on July 3, even stating that Secretary Noem is working on legislation to allow farmers to vouch for their employees.
With the southern border secure, now is the time for Congress to act. In the meantime, IDA will advocate that state policymakers don’t contribute to or exacerbate the problem. Harmful policies, like mandatory E-Verify, are sure to be back this session. As the Idaho Labor Department recently concluded, “Mandatory implementation of E-Verify could have severe negative consequences for local economies.” IDA will stand with our friends in allied industries in opposition to government E-Verify mandates.
Sugarbeets
Samantha Parrott, executive director, Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association
As we head into the upcoming legislative session, the Snake River Sugarbeet Growers Association will be focused on a few key priorities that strengthen Idaho agriculture. First, we plan to advance a resolution urging the USDA and Congress to prohibit the use of artificial sweeteners in school meals. Idaho is the second-largest sugarbeet-producing state in the nation, and our farm families are proud to grow the real sugar that ends up on America’s tables. We will also continue supporting ongoing funding for water infrastructure. The legislature’s $30 million investment in 2025 was a critical step forward, and providing sustained annual funding ensures that agriculture can meet long-term water demands. Finally, we remain committed to addressing agriculture labor challenges at the state level and opposing efforts like mandatory E-Verify that would harm Idaho farms.
Beef
Cameron Mulrony, executive vice president, Idaho Cattle Association
The Idaho Cattle Association (ICA) will continue to represent all segments of Idaho’s beef industry throughout the upcoming legislative session, consistent with policy direction established by its membership. As priorities, we anticipate the opportunity to remain actively engaged in discussions related to grazing, predator management and endangered species issues. In addition, the association will work with legislators to advance statutory protections for producer data, particularly as it pertains to livestock location, movement and health information generated through emerging technologies designed to improve operational efficiency. ICA also stands prepared to engage on additional livestock-related issues that may arise during the session on behalf of its members and leadership.
Woolgrowers
Liz Wilder, executive director, Idaho Wool Growers Association
The Idaho Wool Growers Association has been actively following the Idaho DOGE Task Force through the late summer and fall. The IWGA will continue to monitor the potential merger of the Idaho Sheep and Goat Health Board health regulatory activities into the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. This is a unique merger because the functions of the executive secretary of the Idaho Sheep and Goat Health Board overlap with the needs of administrative assistance for the Animal Damage Control (ADC) Board. Our members rely on the ADC Board and want to make sure that things continue to operate correctly in the realm of predator control.
